NSF certification involves annual, unannounced inspections of a company’s bottling facility covering every aspect of the bottling process from source to packaging. Production facilities are audited for good manufacturing practices as well as risk management systems to help ensure that the final product is safe. As part of the certification process, we extensively test product samples for over 160 impurities to confirm they meet applicable federal and/or state standards. NSF certification also helps ensure that products are labeled with the proper standard of identity for the type of water indicated on the label and that any added ingredients are properly disclosed.

Look for the NSF mark on the product label or check the NSF online listings to see if your favorite bottled water brand is NSF certified.

While there is no ratings system for bottled water, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has established official standards of identify for bottled water. The most common bottled water types include:

Drinking Water - Can originate from a variety sources, including public water supplies. It may undergo additional treatment, such as disinfection or filtration.

Purified Water - Is produced through reverse osmosis, deionization or distillation so that it meets the definition of purified water in the United States Pharmacopoeia. The amount of metals and minerals in purified water is usually lower than in other types of bottled water.

Spring Water - Comes from an underground formation from which water flows naturally to the surface. It can contain minerals and other substances that occur naturally in the area from which the water is being drawn.

Mineral Water - Comes from an underground formation that is physically and geologically protected. Similar to spring water, it can contain minerals and other substances that occur naturally in the area from which the water is being drawn. No minerals may be added to it.

Keep in mind that terms such as pure or natural are advertising terms and do not indicate the quality of the product. If you are unsure which type of bottled water would be best for you, you may want to consult with a registered dietician or other health care provider to see if they can help make a recommendation.

NSF certified bottled water products undergo extensive testing for more than 160 contaminants, while the bottling facilities themselves must meet rigorous standards for good manufacturing practices. Look for the NSF mark on the label or check the NSF online listings to confirm that your favorite brand carries NSF certification.

Special tip for travelers: When visiting foreign countries, make sure your bottled water still has an intact factory seal. Do not accept any product where the seal has been broken, as the quality of the contents cannot be guaranteed.

Bottled water must be checked for the presence of many different contaminants as well as other quality characteristics, including:

Aesthetic contaminants, which can adversely affect the taste, odor or color of the water, including iron, manganese, zinc, chloride, sulfate and total dissolved solids.

Health-related contaminants, for which a potential health hazard has been established. Impurities included in this category are arsenic, chromium, lead, mercury and nitrates. In addition to heavy metals and radiological issues, bottled water is checked for many volatile organic chemicals (VOCs), including pesticides and other synthetic chemicals.

Microbiological concerns, including coliform bacteria, which are not disease-causing themselves but indicate the possibility that other disease-causing bacteria may be present. Since bottled water companies are required to ensure their water is microbiologically safe, many choose to disinfect their water prior to bottling through a process such as ozonation, ultraviolet disinfection or chlorination.

Bottled water should be handled like any other food product you bring into your home. Avoid storing bottled water in a garage or basement where it might be exposed to gasoline fumes, chemicals or excessive dampness. Avoid storing bottled water where it might be exposed to sunlight, instead keeping it in a cool, dry environment, such as a pantry.

Once opened, bottled water containers should be stored in the refrigerator to inhibit bacterial growth. If using a bottled water dispenser, be sure to clean the dispenser unit often following the manufacturer’s recommended cleaning and sanitizing instructions.

In the U.S., bottled water products are regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a food product. While not required to be contaminant free, any additives in the water, such as fluoride or minerals, must be disclosed on the product label. Any impurities present in the product must be within the maximum allowable concentrations set by the FDA.

NSF certified bottled water products are tested for more than 160 microbiological, radiological, heavy metal and chemical contaminants. In addition, the production facilities are regularly audited to ensure good manufacturing practices are in place to protect product integrity. A complete list of bottled water brands that are NSF certified is posted on the NSF website.

If you find the NSF certification mark on the label, this means that the bottled water underwent extensive testing for more than 160 contaminants. We also inspect the bottling facilities to make sure they meet rigorous standards for good manufacturing practices. You can get a full list of NSF certified bottled water brands online or confirm whether your favorite brand carries NSF certification.

If you are traveling in foreign countries, make sure your bottled water still has an intact factory seal. Do not accept any product where the seal has been broken, as the quality of the contents cannot be guaranteed.

Bottled water products that are sold in the U.S. are regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a food product. While not required to be contaminant free, any impurities present in the product must be within the maximum allowable concentrations set by the FDA. The FDA also requires bottlers to disclose any additives in the water, such as fluoride or minerals.

NSF certified bottled water products are tested for more than 160 microbiological, radiological, heavy metal and chemical contaminants. In addition, the production facilities are regularly audited to ensure good manufacturing practices are in place to protect product integrity. A complete list of bottled water brands that are NSF certified is posted on the NSF website.

Because of NSF’s role in evaluating the cleanability of common kitchen tools and appliances used in the home, in 2013 our microbiologists analyzed 14 common kitchen items in several homes for the presence of four different types of microorganisms: E. coli, Salmonella, yeast and mold, and Listeria.

Our study found that many common kitchen appliances used to prepare food contained one or more of the organisms listed above, with refrigerator vegetable and meat compartments as well as blender gaskets being the germiest.

Read more about this study, including what other kitchen items were found to contain potentially harmful microorganisms as well as recommended cleaning instructions for each item.

When evaluating food storage containers under NSF Protocol P386 – Food Storage Containers for Home Use, NSF’s public health specialists look at the design and construction of each container to make sure that it is easily cleanable and produced from food-safe materials. NSF also reviews product packaging and substantiates other marketing and label claims being made by the manufacturer.

The NSF certified sanitary cycle designation does not specify a minimum temperature that a clothes dryer must achieve. Rather, machines are performance tested using three different organisms (S. aureus, K. pneumoniae and P. aeruginosa) which are added to test swatches and then dried with a typical load of laundry. To achieve certification, the clothes dryer must demonstrate a 99.9 percent reduction of bacteria during the sanitizing dry cycle with no significant carryover of these organisms to subsequent loads.

A list of clothes dryers that are currently NSF certified can be found in the NSF listings.

After an independent research study revealed that more than half of American consumers are concerned about the safety and quality of cookware and other products used in their homes, NSF created the NSF Home Products Certification (HPC) Program. Developed in 2012, this program is based on, but separate from, NSF’s Commercial Food Equipment Program, which has been ensuring safe design and cleaning of appliances and tools used in commercial kitchens since the 1950s.

Designed to help give consumers peace of mind as to the quality, durability and cleanability of many home products, the NSF HPC program covers food storage containers, cookware and bakeware as well as small appliances like coffee makers, slow cookers and blenders. The program also includes kitchen gadgets and utensils, flatware and cutlery, personal beverage containers, corded home textiles (heated blankets, pads and mattress pads), fans, space heaters and many other products.

Visit the Home Product and Appliances section of the website to learn more about this program as well as to access a current list of NSF certified products for the home.

If you thought that the bathroom is the germiest place in most homes, this isn’t always the case. In fact, in a 2011 NSF germ study, we discovered that the highest concentration of germs was found in the kitchen. Which items were the germiest? The kitchen sponge, kitchen sink and coffee maker reservoir were all found to contain bacteria or yeast and mold.

Read more about this study, including what other items in a typical home were found to contain germs and how to make sure to keep them clean.

NSF Protocol P172 measures the antimicrobial efficacy of washing machines by determining whether the sanitary wash cycle is effective at removing 99.9 percent of bacteria from heavily contaminated cloth swatches from typical laundry loads. The protocol does not evaluate the water or steam temperature per se, but rather evaluates the ability of the sanitization cycle to perform effectively.

The sanitization cycle of a washer is dependent on the combination of many variables (e.g. drum size, drum shape, heater wattage- if applicable, cycle time, cycle temperature, tumbling action, etc.). These variables can change from model to model and manufacturer to manufacturer as long as they perform effectively.

A list of clothes washers that are currently NSF certified can be found in the NSF listings.

NSF Protocol P351 requires a clothes washer to effectively reduce 95 percent of dust mite and feline dander during testing. This protocol also requires that the washer be able to heat the water temperature to at least 131° F for a minimum of three minutes.

A list of clothes washers that are currently NSF certified to P351 can be found in the NSF listings.

When evaluating residential blenders for home use under NSF Protocol P388 – Blenders for Home Use, NSF looks at design, construction, durability, materials and cleanability of each product to ensure public health is being protected. Cleanability is an important part of the certification process for all home products and especially blenders, as NSF discovered in its 2013 germ study that blenders that are not properly disassembled during cleaning can allow germs that can cause foodborne illness to build up around the gasket. NSF also checks labeling and packaging information and validates any marketing claims made by the manufacturer.

When evaluating residential coffee makers for home use, NSF confirms that each unit meets the strict criteria set forth in NSF Protocol P387 – Coffee Makers for Home Use. This protocol establishes product design, construction, materials and cleanability requirements. In addition, NSF also checks labeling and packaging information and validates any marketing claims being made for the product. As is the case with other home products, cleanability is an important part of the certification process, especially as NSF discovered in its 2011 germ study that coffee maker reservoirs that are not regularly cleaned can build up yeast and mold.

NSF/ANSI 3 establishes minimum design, construction, material and performance requirements for commercial dishwashers used in restaurants and other facilities subject to public health inspections, while NSF/ANSI 184 sets requirements for dishwashers used in a residential setting. Both standards require certified dishwashers to be able to reduce 99.999 percent of bacteria when operated on the sanitizing cycle. However, the minimum final rinse temperature for residential dishwashers is 150° F, compared to 165° or 180° F for commercial dishwashers.

Products that are specifically targeted for use by athletes can be evaluated under the NSF Certified for Sport® program. In addition to meeting all requirements for good manufacturing practices (GMPs) and NSF/ANSI 173: Dietary Supplements for content and labeling, products are also analyzed to confirm they do not contain substances banned by most major athletic organizations. Ongoing monitoring helps ensure products continue to comply with all requirements to maintain product certification.

Dietary supplements are evaluated under NSF/ANSI 173: Dietary Supplements to confirm that they actually contain the ingredients and quantities shown on the label as well as to make sure they do not contain excessive levels of impurities like heavy metals or pesticides. NSF also audits each company’s production sites to confirm they are following the good manufacturing practices (GMPs) set forth for their industry. Certification must be renewed annually to ensure each product continues to comply with all requirements to maintain product certification.

Published reports have shown that not all supplement products contain the ingredients or quantities shown on the label. In some cases, unlisted ingredients can pose a health risk, especially to those with allergies. NSF certification helps give consumers piece of mind by confirming that product label information is accurate and that the manufacturer is following good manufacturing practices.

Supplement manufacturers are responsible by law to ensure their products are safe before being marketed. In addition, manufacturers are responsible for determining the accuracy and truth of label claims. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) can take action against any unsafe dietary supplement product that reaches the market as well as in cases where false or misleading claims are being made.

Before marketing, drugs must undergo clinical studies to determine their effectiveness, safety, possible interactions with other substances and appropriate dosages. FDA then reviews this data and determines whether to authorize use of the drugs.

Dietary supplements fall under the general category of food products. Although FDA does not test or authorize their use prior to them being marketed unless they contain a new ingredient, they still have oversight over these products and can limit the type of ingredients used in product formulations and take action when false or misleading label claims are made.

GMP registrations do not apply to individual products. Rather, they are a type of facility certification designed to help verify that a manufacturer is following the good manufacturing practices (GMP) established for their industry.

Although no product testing is conducted as part of a GMP audit, there are separate certifications available that do include product testing to help confirm whether a product contains the ingredients/quantities shown on the label (i.e. NSF/ANSI 173) as well as to determine if they are free of banned substances (i.e. NSF Certified for Sport).

Always look for the NSF mark on the product label. This mark indicates that the product has been tested to ensure that it contains the ingredients and quantities listed on the label and that no unlisted ingredients or potentially harmful levels of impurities are present in the product. In addition, understand that a claim that a product is “all natural” is not a guarantee that the product is safe.

Avoid products with label claims that the supplement is a new treatment or cure for a specific disease or condition. No companies are authorized under current federal regulations to make such claims for dietary supplements. You can report supplements making such claims to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Dietary supplements may not be totally risk-free under all circumstances. Some supplements can interact with prescription or over-the-counter medications, or could contain active ingredients that have strong biological effects and can cause adverse reactions in some people. Some supplements can also have unwanted effects during surgery. As a result, it’s important to fully inform your doctor about the vitamins, minerals, herbs or any other supplements you are taking, especially before surgery or when you are placed on a prescription medication.

Dietary supplements are defined as products taken by mouth that contain a “dietary ingredient” intended to supplement a person’s diet. Products meeting this definition include vitamins, minerals, herbs, botanicals, amino acids and concentrates, metabolites, and constituents and extracts of these substances.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulates advertising (including infomercials) for dietary supplements and most other products sold to consumers. Advertising and promotional material received via U.S. mail would be subject to regulation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.

As an independent certification organization, NSF would not be involved in the manufacture or sale of any of the products that we certify nor their replacement components. Please contact the manufacturer of your water treatment system directly to find out where replacement filters are sold for your specific unit.

To ensure ongoing performance, it is important to always use the correct manufacturer’s replacement cartridge identified in the owner’s manual. Failure to do so could result in the system leaking or not reducing contaminants effectively.

Structural integrity. Systems (and some components such as housings) intended for direct connection to a water service undergo pressure testing to confirm they won’t crack or leak when installed on a pressurized water line.

Material safety. Certified systems (and components such as filter media and housings) undergo extraction testing to determine if they introduce any impurities into the water that could pose a health risk. American National Standards limit the amount of impurities that certified systems can introduce based on U.S. EPA or Health Canada drinking water standards, whichever is more strict.

Performance testing. We test assembled systems to verify that the finished product is effective at reducing the contaminants claimed on the product label. Testing is done on a pass/fail basis.

Label claims. We also verify the accuracy of product packaging and labeling to confirm it does not contain any untrue or misleading statements. We verify that percentage reduction claims on the product packaging match our official test results.

All NSF certified water treatment systems undergo material safety testing as well as performance testing for reduction of impurities. Because American National Standards do not prohibit the use of BPA in plastics used to construct water treatment systems, consumers need to contact the manufacturer directly to ascertain whether an ingredient such as BPA is used. If BPA is used in any water treatment product that NSF tests, we conduct a material safety test to ensure that this compound and any others that might be introduced by the system are not present at unsafe levels in the treated water.

Access our database of NSF certified water treatment systems and select one of the Arsenic Reduction claims that appear in the third, fifth or sixth group of contaminants. Although no whole-house systems are currently NSF certified for treatment of arsenic, those systems that are certified for this purpose can be installed at the main drinking water source in a home, usually the kitchen sink.

Many home water treatment systems are certified only for reduction of arsenic-5 (pentavalent arsenic). If you are unsure which type of arsenic is present in your water and choose a product certified to reduce arsenic-5 only, you may want to test a sample of the water produced by the system to ensure successful arsenic reduction. If you’re arsenic-5 certified system does not significantly reduce your arsenic level, it could mean you have arsenic-3 in your well water. Arsenic-3 can be converted to arsenic-5 through the installation of a chlorinator.

Yes. A new American National Standard known as NSF/ANSI 401 – Emerging Contaminants and Incidental Compounds was developed in 2013. This standard establishes testing procedures to help verify the effectiveness of different types of water treatment systems to reduce up to 15 compounds like pharmaceuticals, over-the-counter drugs and new types of pesticides as well as chemicals used as flame retardants and detergents. A list of products that are currently NSF certified to meet this standard can be found on NSF’s drinking water listings page.

Emerging contaminants are a new category of water quality concerns for which evidence of health effects has not yet been established, but which consumers are concerned about. Additional information can be found on the NSF/ANSI 401 web page.

Since no product can protect against all impurities, it isn’t possible to easily rate or compare water treatment systems. Instead, the focus of NSF’s certification program is to evaluate samples of a company’s products to confirm they meet applicable American National Standards for design and construction, as well as to verify if the product can reduce the contaminants claimed by the manufacturer. In addition, we review product literature and packaging to ensure accurate information about the product is provided.

To help ensure you are selecting the right product, it’s important to research the quality of your incoming water supply to understand which contaminants are present or if there are any contaminants present that could pose a health issue to your family members. Once you have put together your list of contaminant reduction needs, you can then use NSF’s online database to see if any water treatment systems are certified to address those issues.

Performance testing of home water treatment systems is done on a pass/fail basis. To earn certification for reduction of a specific contaminant, a product must be able to reduce that contaminant by the minimum amount shown in the applicable American National Standard. For example, to be certified for lead reduction under NSF/ANSI 53, a product must be able to reduce 150 ppb of lead to less than 10 ppb in the filtered water.

For exact percentage reductions achieved by an individual system, please check directly with the manufacturer.

Access our database of NSF certified water treatment systems and select Lead Reduction from the third, fifth or sixth group of contaminants. If you are looking for a specific product style, you can use the Product Type dropdown box near the bottom of the page to narrow your search to the desired style.

Although no whole-house systems are currently NSF certified for treatment of lead, many certified systems can be installed at the main drinking water source in a home, usually the kitchen sink. Systems that are NSF certified for lead reduction are verified to reduce 150 ppb (0.150 mg/L) of lead to less than 10 ppb (0.010 mg/L) in the treated water.

Currently, no systems are specifically NSF certified to reduce uranium. However, many reverse osmosis systems (RO) and salt-based water softeners are certified to reduce a by-product of decaying uranium known as radium 226/228. Systems certified for reduction of radium may also be effective at reducing uranium. To confirm how much uranium is being reduced with your specific system, please have a sample of the treated water tested by a state-accredited laboratory.

A list of water treatment systems that are NSF certified for radium reduction can be found in the NSF listings.

No. Component testing is generally limited to a review of a filter cartridge, housing or membrane for either structural integrity or material safety. In general, no performance testing is conducted on components, but rather on finished systems, i.e. a filter cartridge or membrane inside of a housing.

If you are concerned about a product’s contaminant reduction capability, contact the manufacturer to ask who tested the system for performance and then contact that organization to verify if the system was tested and certified to be effective against the contaminants it claims to reduce. A searchable database of NSF certified water treatment systems is available online.

Perishable cooked foods should be placed in the refrigerator or freezer within two hours of being cooked, or one hour on very hot days (those over 90° F). To help speed cooling, divide larger quantities of food into several smaller, shallow containers.

The most important thing when packaging leftovers is to get them down to a safe storage temperature as quickly as possible. If you don’t plan to eat the leftovers within three days, it’s best to freeze them. Storing leftovers in vacuum-sealed containers can help prevent freezer burn, while using tightly sealed containers in the refrigerator can help prevent accidental spillage as well as reduce the chance that odors from other foods will affect the food’s quality.

Yes, especially if you or someone living in your home any health issues. Although not all food labeling dates are for safety, use-by and expiration dates are the two dates to which consumers should pay the most attention. Best Before and Best if Used By dates are quality dates and are not for food safety, while Sell By dates are mostly for store display purposes.

Although a properly operating refrigerator should be able to handle the placement of hot foods inside, you can help promote cooling by separating large quantities of leftovers into small containers, leaving lids slightly ajar until the food has fully cooled.

NSF certification of cookware involves a thorough review to ensure the product meets voluntary American National Standards for design, construction, materials and cleanability. The materials used on the interior surfaces of the cookware must meet U.S. standards for direct contact with food. Cookware with coatings also undergoes abrasion testing to ensure the coatings will not flake off and adulterate food.

Uncooked meat that was properly thawed in the refrigerator and whose internal temperature never exceeded 41° F can usually be refrozen. If you thawed the frozen meat in the microwave or otherwise started cooking the meat, you must complete the cooking process, and then freeze any unused meat portions for later use. You should never partially cook and then re-freeze raw meats.

As dishwashers do not heat water to the boiling point, but rather usually to somewhere between 145° F and 160° F, it’s best not to use them during a boil water alert. While exposing dishes to such temperatures for a pre-determined period is known to be sufficient to achieve sanitization of dishes when the incoming water supply is potable, no testing is conducted to determine how effective they might be when the incoming water supply has been deemed unsafe for consumption.

The letters in our organization’s name do not represent any specific words today. NSF International was founded in 1944 as the National Sanitation Foundation. The name of our organization was changed to NSF International in 1990 when the National Sanitation Foundation and NSF Testing Labs merged. A brief history of the NSF organization is available on our website.

NSF International doesn’t issue certificates or other documents as proof of NSF certification for most individual products. Rather, proof of NSF certification is provided by listing the product on our website. Because certification is an ongoing process that must be renewed annually, our online listings can change daily.

NSF International does not manufacture, sell or distribute products. As an independent certification organization, we evaluate samples of products to determine whether they meet voluntary standards for protection of public health. If you are interested in purchasing a product that appears on the NSF website or that claims to have NSF certification, please contact the product’s manufacturer directly for assistance in locating a supplier.

NSF certification helps verify that a product meets voluntary national standards for protection of public health. Depending on the product, this can range from testing for material safety (e.g. plumbing-related products) to content (e.g. dietary supplements) to performance (e.g. home water treatment systems). Unlike product testing, certification is not a one-time event. Rather, it is an ongoing process that involves audits of a company’s production facility along with regular testing of product samples to confirm their continued compliance with the most current version of the applicable American National Standard.

As an independent certification organization, NSF International would not be involved in the manufacture or sale of any products that display our certification mark. Rather, the presence of our mark on a product means that it meets applicable American National Standards for protection of public health.

If you need replacement parts for an NSF certified product, please contact the manufacturer directly for assistance. Contact information for manufacturers of NSF certified products is available online. If a product is produced overseas and you are having difficulty contacting the manufacturer directly, check your owner’s manual or contact the store where you purchased the product to see if they might be able to offer assistance.

NSF International would not be able to provide a material safety data sheet (MSDS) for any product that we evaluate. Please contact the product manufacturer directly for assistance. Contact information for manufacturers with NSF certified or registered products is provided in the NSF online listings.

In most cases, NSF International certifies individual products, not manufacturers. As a result, not all products produced by a single manufacturer may be NSF certified. In addition, if a company produces the same product at multiple locations, the products produced at each production facility undergo a separate review and certification. This is why you may see multiple facility locations for the same product in the NSF online listing.

In addition to product testing services, NSF also offers facility registration services to help manufacturers verify compliance with a wide array of production standards, including good manufacturing practices (GMPs). Facility registrations do not include product testing, so the products produced at registered facilities are not considered NSF certified unless they undergo separate testing.

NSF/ANSI food equipment standards do not have provisions to address issues related to mechanical, electrical or fire safety. Rather, NSF certification addresses sanitation and food safety aspects. Check with the product manufacturer to determine if the product has been reviewed for non-sanitation concerns.

It isn’t possible to certify equipment already being used in the field. Certification is a process that starts at the factory level and includes both a facility audit as well as testing of individual samples of each product being considered for certification to determine if the product complies with the design, construction, material, cleanability and performance requirements of applicable American National Standards. While it is possible to conduct a field inspection of some types of products like food equipment, such an inspection would not result in certification of the equipment.

Copies of the American National Standards on which many NSF certification programs are based are available for purchase from organizations like the American National Standards Institute or Techstreet. NSF standards that are referenced in U.S. federal laws and regulations are available at no cost on NSF’s website under the tab Free Access Standards. NSF International does not sell copies of any standards.

Although certified organic products must be grown, processed and handled without the use of pesticides or most other synthetic chemicals, it is possible for organic crops to be inadvertently exposed to agricultural chemicals. To help limit the impact of non-organic agricultural practices, National Organic Program (NOP) standards set strict requirements for organic producers and handlers, including requiring buffer zones between conventional and organic growing fields as well as storage of organic products above or separate from conventional products to avoid cross-contamination.

Organic refers to a product produced without using conventional pesticides, irradiation or fertilizers made with synthetic ingredients or bioengineering. For example, organic meat, poultry, eggs and dairy products can only be produced from animals that are not given antibiotics or growth hormones and are fed 100 percent organic feed. Organic doesn’t necessarily mean that a product is free of something, but rather that it has been produced without using prohibited methods.

Organic products sold in the U.S. are required to be grown, processed and handled from farm to shelf in accordance with USDA National Organic Program (NOP) regulations. While the NOP specifically prohibits the use of genetic engineering or genetically modified organisms in conjunction with organic food, it is possible for an organic crop to be exposed to GMOs from drift (such as wind pollination, birds or bees) or other natural forces beyond the control of the organic farmer. To help limit the impact of non-organic farming practices, the NOP requires organic farmers to follow practices such as creating buffer zones between their own farms and neighboring farms that use conventional farming methods.

If personal care products are produced from 100 percent organic ingredients and require only limited processing, they may be eligible for certification under USDA National Organic Program (NOP) standards.

Personal care products that are not 100 percent organic but that contain at least 70 percent organic content might be eligible for review under NSF/ANSI 305: Organic Personal Care Products Containing Organic Ingredients. Although NSF/ANSI 305 contains many of the same requirements as the NOP for ingredients and materials, it allows for some limited chemical processing necessary to create personal care products not typically allowed under the NOP. For example, soaps containing organic ingredients are permitted to undergo chemical processing known as saponification, without which these products would not lather.

The term “natural” generally means a product has been minimally processed or is free from synthetic ingredients. It doesn’t mean that the producers or handlers of the ingredients and/or finished products have been audited by an organic certifier to confirm compliance with USDA National Organic Program standards. Other claims such as “free-range,” “hormone-free” and “all natural” can appear on product labels and should likewise not be confused with the term organic.

Imported agricultural products can be sold as organic in the U.S. provided that they are verified to meet the same requirements as organic products produced in the U.S. This includes undergoing regular on-site audits by a USDA-accredited certifying agent (ACA) to confirm that the organic practices detailed in each company’s documentation are actually occurring at the site and that those practices comply with National Organic Program (NOP) requirements. The USDA has ACAs in many foreign countries that help verify requirements of the NOP are being met, and ACAs work together to help ensure that organic integrity in the U.S. is maintained from farm to table.

Any agricultural product that meets certification requirements may be considered organic. Organic products can include foods ranging from canned products to fresh produce, meats, poultry and bakery products, to beverages including juices and milk, to dietary supplements and even personal care products.

Products labeled as “100 percent organic” can only contain organically produced ingredients and processing aids (excluding water and salt). If the label says “organic,” the organic content must be at least 95 percent by weight (excluding water and salt). If the label says “made from organic ingredients,” the product must contain between 70 and 95 percent organic content. Products containing less than 70 percent organic content cannot use the term organic anywhere on the principal display panel.

For eggs to be certified organic, the chickens producing the eggs must be raised as organic from the second day of life. For their entire lifetime they must be given feed that has been certified 100 percent organic—no genetically modified or medicated foods are allowed. Any bedding materials that could be consumed by the chickens (e.g. hay) must be organically grown as well. Animal drugs such as hormones and antibiotics are not permitted, and the chickens have access to the outdoors as seasonally appropriate. NOP regulations do allow for short periods of temporary confinement, such as when there is reason for concern from predators or extreme weather conditions.

Under NOP regulations, organic livestock must be fed 100 percent organic feed and cannot be given animal drugs such as hormones. While there are no limits on herd size, the NOP does require that organic livestock have year-round access to the outdoors and, in the case of ruminants such as cattle, daily grazing on pasture during the normal grazing season. The NOP does allow for short periods of temporary confinement, such as when there is reason for concern for the health and safety of the animal, i.e. during extreme weather conditions.

PEX tubing that is certified to NSF/ANSI 61 is considered to be suitable for drinking water applications. Certification for potable water contact will typically be noted on the product by an NSF-61 or NSF-pw designation (for smaller fittings, the certification mark may be on the packaging only).

Not all PEX pipe is intended for potable water contact. For example, pipes with only an NSF-rfh certification are intended for radiant floor heating applications and should not be used for drinking water contact.

Plastic pipes that have been tested and certified to NSF/ANSI 61: Drinking Water System Components are considered safe for potable water contact. Products that have been NSF certified to this standard will display one of the following certification marks: NSF-pw or NSF-61.

NSF H1 registration involves a review of a product’s formulation to determine if it meets U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) requirements for use in food processing areas. No physical testing is performed to determine the product’s suitability for use in treating drinking water for human consumption. In contrast, NSF/ANSI 60 requires actual exposure of products to drinking water to determine if the product introduces any impurities that might exceed allowed levels.

Currently, there isn’t an easy way to distinguish which household-type bleach products are certified under NSF/ANSI 60. All NSF certified bleach products are grouped together under the chemical name Sodium Hypochlorite.

To find possible household bleach products, scan the list for those that are 5.25 percent sodium hypochlorite. You can then contact the company or check its website to see if its bleach products are sold at the retail level.

FDA doesn’t actually approve products. When a company claims that its materials are FDA approved, it most likely means that their product is produced from materials that comply with FDA regulations for a specific end use, such as for contact with a beverage like juice or milk. In contrast, NSF/ANSI 61 is a product testing standard based on EPA drinking water regulations. Under NSF/ANSI 61, the wetted surfaces of a product undergo testing to determine if any impurities are being introduced that could cause the water to become unsafe for human consumption. The maximum allowed concentrations of impurities are based on U.S. EPA and/or Health Canada limits, whichever is stricter.

As of January 2014, the definition of “lead-free” was changed in the U.S. to mean that a product does not contain more than 0.25 percent by weight. Compliance with this standard is mandatory for all products that are designed to come into contact with water that would typically be used for human consumption, including kitchen sink and bathroom sink faucets.

Products produced prior to 2014 that met this requirement may be marked with NSF-61G, NSF-pw-G, or NSF-372, while products produced after January 4, 2014 may display an NSF-61, NSF-pw or NSF-372 marking.

In the late 1980s, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requested that NSF work with public health and regulatory agencies to develop a standard for drinking water treatment chemicals to help limit the introduction of impurities from such products. What resulted was NSF/ANSI 60: Drinking Water Treatment Chemicals. While this American National Standard does not address the effectiveness of water treatment products, it does establish requirements that limit the potential introduction of impurities when a product is used up to a maximum usage rate. Product users are responsible for ensuring that the product is achieving the desired end result.

Not usually. The letters “dwv” in the NSF-dwv marking stand for drain, waste and vent and mean that the product was reviewed either for disposal of wastewater or for venting applications. Unless the product is also marked with an NSF-pw or NSF-61 designation, it should not be used for drinking water applications.

There are three different temperatures at which plastic pipe and other plumbing products can be tested to determine if they are suitable for potable water contact: cold, domestic hot and commercial hot.

Plumbing products with a CLD23 designation on the labeling were tested for cold water applications only. Those with a DHOT certification were tested and certified for domestic hot applications up to 140° F, while those with a CHOT certification were tested for commercial hot applications up to 180° F.

Both copper tubing and plastic can be used for drinking water provided that they are certified to NSF/ANSI 61. This will typically be noted on the product by an NSF-61 or NSF-pw designation (for smaller fittings, the certification mark may be on the packaging only).

In situations where the water pH is below 6.5, copper tubing is not recommended as there is the potential for copper to leach from the pipe into drinking water. Homeowners with acidic water should install an acid neutralizer to help raise pH before installing copper tubing or consider using pipes made of materials other than metal, such as PVC, CPVC or PEX.

There are several types of pool disinfection systems that have been certified for compliance with NSF/ANSI 50: Pool Equipment, including copper or copper/silver ionization systems, ozone generators and ultraviolet disinfection systems. It is important to note that most system manufacturers still recommend that pool owners use a small amount of chlorine or bromine to help oxidize organic matter such as skin cells, oil and hair (this is mandatory for commercial pools).

If you only use your pool or spa seasonally, make sure to check your supply of water treatment chemicals before you start the pool opening process each year to make sure you have everything you need. Check the expiration dates on each product and replace any outdated chemicals. Be sure to read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for each product and store chemicals in a cool, dry area out of the reach of children.

If you own your own pool, check to make sure your drain covers and grates meet current anti-entrapment standards set forth in the Pool and Spa Safety Act. Covers that meet these standards will display ANSI/APSP 16 or ANSI/ASME A112.19.8 on the cover’s exterior.

Make sure your drain covers and grates are properly attached, and never allow anyone to use your pool or spa if a cover is broken or missing. When using a public pool, check for properly attached drain covers and instruct children to keep away from the drains.

Although it is important to keep pools and spas covered when not in use, because small children can drown in just a few inches of water, it’s also important to pump any standing water off the cover, especially after a heavy rain. To avoid someone from becoming trapped under a cover, always remove the cover completely before using a pool or spa.

To help prevent unauthorized entry, many local building codes require pool owners to install a fence completely surrounding the pool that meets minimum type and height requirements. Installing gates leading to the pool that have a self-closing and self-latching mechanism can also help prevent unauthorized entry. Above ground, floating and submerged pool alarms can also be used to alert you to any motion in the water when you are not actively using the pool, while wristband alarms can help alert parents if a child should accidentally fall into the water.

Annex J of NSF/ANSI 50 contains sizing guidelines for salt generators. The 2012 version recommends that salt generators be capable of producing no less than 3 pounds of chlorine per day/10,000 gallons for pools and 3 pounds per day/1,000 gallons for spas.

NSF/ANSI 40: Residential Wastewater Treatment Systems is an American National Standard that helps verify whether packaged residential wastewater treatment systems are able to effectively treat wastewater generated from an individual residence. These systems are like a miniature municipal treatment plant and are intended for use in areas where traditional septic systems cannot be used. The unique design and components of these systems accelerate the wastewater treatment process, and because the effluent produced is significantly superior to that of a traditional septic tank, there is typically greater flexibility when disposing of the treated effluent.

Septic tank effluent filters are a relatively inexpensive way of preventing solids discharge into the septic field. They are usually installed at the outlet of the septic tank, collecting solids that may be discharged from the tank. A list of NSF-certified septic tank effluent filters is available in the NSF wastewater products database.

These systems are generally intended for use in a home setting. Performance testing is conducted based on the assumption that the toilet will be used for an average of four urine events and 1.2 fecal events per day per household member seven days per week.

NSF/ANSI 41: Non-Liquid Saturated Treatment Systems is an American National Standard created to help ensure that composting toilets meet minimum design, construction and performance standards. Certification to this standard helps confirm that a system can handle the manufacturer’s stated capacity as well as produce compost that meets strict requirements for bacterial content.

NSF/ANSI 350 is an American National Standard that establishes minimum material, design, construction and performance requirements for on-site water reuse systems, including water quality requirements for the reduction of chemical and microbiological contaminants. The treated wastewater produced by certified systems is intended for non-potable water use. Subject to local regulatory approval, the treated water can typically be used for restricted indoor water use, such as toilet and urinal flushing, as well as unrestricted outdoor water use, such as lawn irrigation.

Composting toilets are a type of wastewater treatment system designed to use little or no water. They generally do not require hookup to a sewer or septic system and work by providing an enclosed environment that allows the natural process of aerobic decomposition to occur.

These systems are intended for intermittent use in a cabin or cottage setting. Performance testing is based on the same event criteria per household member as for residential use units, but with the assumption that the unit will be used on average two consecutive days per week rather than seven.

These systems are intended for use in day parks, roadside stops and other similar settings where the percentage of urine events is estimated to be six times greater than the number of fecal events. Performance testing is based on the number of total uses per day, not on the number of individual users.

Incinerating toilets are self-contained units typically consisting of a traditional commode-style seat connected to a holding tank. They have a gas-fired or electric heating system that incinerates waste products deposited in the holding tank. These systems do not require water to operate, and when properly maintained and functioning, they produce a fine, sterile ash that can easily be disposed of with other trash. Unfortunately, because the incineration process also destroys nutrients, the ash cannot be used for fertilizer. Incinerating toilets are eligible for testing under the protocol NSF P157: Health and Sanitation of Electrical Incinerating Toilets.